What shaped Clarke most was his faith in Christ

I applaud the recent editorial honoring William "Bill" Clarke ("Big man with bigger vision is still with us," Jan. 16). That The Repository rarely lavishes such praise on individuals makes Clarke's commendation even more significant.

The Repository's excellent and extensive list of Clarke's "whats" didn't leave room for his "why." Clarke's why — his distinguishing characteristic — emanated from his faith in Jesus Christ.

• His transforming faith was shaped by Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. "Love your enemies" and "be a peacemaker" were principles Clarke taught and embodied around the world.

• His enlightening faith impacted his professional life, providing a blueprint for building and operating the state's second largest electrical contracting company on Christ-centered principles and ethics.

• His committed faith inspired Clarke to faithfully love his wife Joan for 60 years and provided biblical principles for jointly nurturing four exceptional daughters — successful, professional women, wives and mothers.

• His maturing faith gave Clarke the wisdom of Solomon, utilized in his roles as a board chairman for local, national and international ministries and empowered him to counsel regional and world leaders, including President Jimmy Carter.

• His experienced faith kept his later years significant as he continued to mentor scores of younger disciples.

Clarke's whats may last well beyond his lifetime, but the ongoing why of his life is best evidenced in the "whos" he connected with Jesus. I am one among many who will live forever and be eternally grateful for Clarke's influence on my life.

Clarke's whats would have never occurred without his why. Clarke's why informed and inspired his whats, but is ultimately about a who!

I commend The Repository for recognizing this exemplary man. The Repository would serve our community well by advocating for efforts that would produce future Bill Clarkes.